Veterans are recognized at Chino American Legion Post 299

U.S. Army veteran Al Lucas, 65, of Mira Loma looks checks out a variety of soups during a veterans lunch at the Chino American Legion Post 299 on Monday. ((Frank Perez/Correspondent))

CHINO - It was an afternoon of honor and respect at the Chino American Legion Post 299.

The legion's Women's Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion hosted a soup and sandwich luncheon on Monday for those who had served in the military in honor of Veteran's Day.

This was the 10th year the groups have hosted the event.

"This is our way of giving back to them for our freedom...and it makes them feel proud to serve our country," said Nina Navarro, president of the Women's Auxiliary post 299.

In addition, 20 volunteers from the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1428 honored the veterans by choosing the Chino-based Legion post for their day of service. The volunteers stripped and waxed the floor and cleaned the kitchen.

For former seaman Jim Watson, this is a time to recognize veterans from the past and who died.

"With all the different wars since Vietnam you have to remember what they've sacrificed and all that are still sacrificing," said Watson, who served in the Navy Reserve in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.

However, Purple Heart recipient Gunnery Sgt. James Redd said there was a time when veterans weren't always praised.

Redd, who was in the Marine Corps for 14 years and was shot in his right leg while in Vietnam, remembers the "flower children" holding signs that read "Baby Killers" and "Get Out of Vietnam." He also remembers his friend who got spit on.

"Now when people come back from serving they're given parades, where as we were just put in buses and taken out of the area," he said.

Despite the past, retired Marine Corps Sgt. Bruce Mac Donald said it's nice to see how veterans now are appreciated.

The 64-year old served from 1965 to 1977.

"This is a day that reminds us of the people who serve and make people aware of what we did and how we did it, and it remembers our departed brothers," said Mac Donald, who at 7 feet was the tallest man to serve in the Marines.